So my sister and I had this crazy idea. It started off as a casual conversation. “Wanna go to Thailand?” Then it went from “I REALLY wanna go,” to “lets buy a plane ticket,” but another crazy idea came. “How bout we go to two countries in one week?” Crazy? Heck yes it is! But just like everyone else, I also have this thing called “a job!”. This “job” comes with “limited paid time off,” but if you’re as passionate as me when it comes to traveling and seeing the world, you will take whatever chance you get to go see it. In my case, I was only able to do 1 week vacation. So with those “crazy” ideas comes “crazy” planning! I mean, this time we are really going on the other side of the world! For my sister and I it would be the first time travelling by ourselves outside the country (which we could have hit the party scene but we’re too innocent and naive for that!). This was major for us. I wanted to make sure we don’t travel anywhere with zero plans. For our first stop we visited the beautiful country of Thailand. We wanted to be close by the beach so we chose to stay at Phuket Thailand.
Three days in the amazing Phuket Thailand? SO BE IT!♥
Location: Patong Beach
Internet Access: Use Tep Wireless to get internet access anywhere in the world. As I mentioned from my previous trip, this was definitely an enormous help. I was able to use the internet to access google maps, the app Grab (it’s similar to an Uber but for taxis), and also to stay in touch with family while away. I was able to use my phone with no roaming charges and also ZERO need to use a local sim card!
Transport : From Phuket International Airport, it took about 45 minutes to an hour to get to Patong, depending on time of arrival. We booked our transportation through Phuket Shuttle. I booked a round trip from airport to hotel, and hotel to airport.
- All transfers are private, which means no need to share with other passengers
- Prices are per vehicle not per person
- They are ON TIME!
Yes, there are other forms of transportation such as buses or shared taxis, where they pretty much have to do rounds and pick up as many passengers to take them to every hotel destination. Sometimes they make unnecessary stops before getting to your destination and, though it might be a cheaper option, it takes up so much of your time when you could have reached your hotel already! I mean the 30+ hr travel time was exhausting enough. I just didn’t have the energy left to do all that round-about. For me, this was the best option to get us where we need to be (which was the hotel bed and a shower) quickly and immediately.
BOOK TRANSPORT HERE!🚗
Accommodation: Patong Swiss Hotel Beach Front (Budget Friendly)
- we payed $81.85/3nights (don’t expect luxury, again this is budget friendly)
- right across the beach – about 1min or less away! SERIOUSLY!
- close to everything, walking distance to all restaurants, souvenir shops, street foods, etc….
- booking.com/patongswisshotel
ELEPHANT JUNGLE SANCTUARY
This is probably the most memorable part of the trip! This was the visit to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. When you think Thailand, you think elephants. Elephants are considered to be sacred elephants in Thailand, and because of their popularity, they are used for entertainment for most tourists. Don’t get me wrong! Tourists probably mean no harm when seeing these animals perform and do tricks, but reality is, it is not the natural behavior or environment for these gentle creatures. When I looked for some activities to do the most popular thing to do is elephant trekking. I mean the idea of riding an elephant through the jungle seems to be adventurous to me! Then I found this organization called Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and obviously I needed to be educated on how these animals should be treated.
Tip: always be an informed tourist
- Visiting the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, the most ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket, gives curious visitors a unique opportunity to interact with magnificent elephants in the safety and security of their natural home.
- Here I witnessed how caretakers love and care for these animals. Elephants acquire human like characteristics and here you can definitely feel how happy these elephants are when interacting with them.
- NO RIDING! You simply interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Elephants are not meant to be ridden, as I learned, their backs are not physically designed for such activity.
- Definitely worth the experience and it teaches you to value these gentle giants and also be informed with the important work they do to protect these animals
- All proceeds go to these animals in maintaining the well being and their habitat
Booking info: INCLUDED IN PRICE
- price for (2) = $156.07
- transport includes pick up from hotel to sanctuary, as well as drop off to hotel
- feeding
- mud bath
- LUNCH INCLUDED (that’s a very important info for me!).
- souvenir: traditional Thailand attire
BOOK HERE OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEIR ORGANIZATION
Sights to see:
- Wat chalong Temple
- Big Buddha Phuket
Transportation around Phuket: download the app Grab (it’s like Uber, but for taxis). Some taxi drivers though want to bargain to make them your personal driver to take you anywhere within the area or tourists sights to see. Make sure do not agree on the initial price, and make sure to BARGAIN BARGAIN BARGAIN. Tuk Tuks are also another method of transport, but again, Bargain and have a mutual agreement of the price before getting on. Your bargaining skills will definitely be put to the test.
ISLAND TOUR
We did the Phanga Bay by big boat tour. Originally we were going to visit the Phi Phi Island, but due to severe weather, plans were changed. August was monsoon season in Thailand, but regardless of the bad weather, we were given the option to take another Island tour. Think canoeing, beach bumming, cave touring, and so much more! As I was searching which company we would like to take a tour with so many options were available. Luckily, I found this amazing one called Phuket Sail Tours.
Why book with them:
- pick up from hotel and back
- they only take a few passengers at a time. Compared to other boat tours who has passengers of about 50 or more, our boat only had about 10 passengers. Even 15 to them is too many. In this way it’s not too crowded.
- English tour guide
- drinks, snacks, and lunch included (AGAIN, ALL IMPORTANT FACTORS TO ME!)
- they have amazing staff on board and knowledgeable tour guides who also have photography skills.
Reminder: All my travel itineraries are based on my own travel expectations. Of course it’s up to you to omit or add more to it, I’m just here to hopefully be that stepping stone for those who simply seek suggestions.
nezzavtravelz 